Pet market grows in the northwest of São Paulo and boosts micro-entrepreneurship The Brazilian pet market is considered one of the most promising in the country, boosting the economy and opening doors for micro-entrepreneurship. In the last two years, the opening of small businesses in the sector grew 16.5% nationally. Experts point out that the segment attracts new entrepreneurs by offering operating options that do not require large initial investments, such as the provision of services and artisanal production. ? Join the g1 Rio Preto e Araçatuba channel on WhatsApp The story of the sisters Lina and Vivian is an example of this. They decided to change their professional path in 2024. Both have degrees in hospitality and sales and became Individual Microentrepreneurs (MEIs), transforming their backyard, in São José do Rio Preto (SP), into a daycare and hotel for dogs. "We've always liked dogs, animals in general. And we always said: 'oh, one day we're going to drop everything and work with dogs'. And then, in 2024, that day arrived", says Lina Bechara in an interview with TV TEM. Sisters start daycare for dogs in the interior of SP TV TEM/Reproduction The space, which initially had the capacity to care for just one animal, now receives dozens of dogs. The animals spend the day under specific care, following a routine that includes feeding, training, socialization and moments of relaxation. Art and personalization Another alternative that has gained ground in the pet market is personalization. Artist Bárbara Silva, from São José do Rio Preto, invested in the segment to promote and sell her works online. Without needing to leave home, she produces hand-painted illustrations and paintings depicting her pets. "Initially it was a hobby, then the orders came. Always linked to the family, people were also looking for their pet, to immortalize a moment there with their animal", explains Bárbara, who develops everything from illustrations based on photographs to realistic portraits. Work developed by Bárbara Silva in São José do Rio Preto (SP) Reproduction / TV TEM From tutor to 'Pet Nanny' The affectionate relationship between tutors and pets is one of the drivers of demand for services in the sector. Journalist Lays Carvalho, responsible for nine cats and a border collie dog, is part of the group of customers who spare no care for their animals, investing in snacks, toys and accessories. However, in addition to being a consumer, she also saw an opportunity for extra income in the market and has been working as a pet sitter for 10 years. Journalist from Rio Preto (SP) becomes a pet sitter when he sees an opportunity for growth in the TV TEM/Reproduction market "I started taking care of a friend's pets, who recommended me to someone else, and then it was a sequence like this that I had no control over. And then I realized that this market was very hot here", says Lays, highlighting university students and people with extensive work routines who need support in caring for animals. Low investment Sought by TV TEM, the consultant for the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae), Wagner Jacometi, explained that, for those who want to enter the sector, it is recommended to carry out good planning, analyze the target audience and identify which service or product format best meets local needs. Sebrae consultant explains the importance of planning to invest in a new business TV TEM/Reproduction Activities such as dog walking or home care require very low initial capital compared to opening a veterinary clinic or a physical products store, but they demand the same level of professionalism. "If I take the pet segment in which I propose to visit people in such a way that I go for a walk with that dog, I don't have a very high investment", highlights the specialist.